KUWAIT: Total trade exchange among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached $1.5 trillion in 2024, ranking sixth worldwide and representing 3.2 percent of total global trade, Assistant Secretary General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat Khaled Al-Sunaidi said Wednesday. Speaking during the 61st preparatory meeting of GCC Undersecretaries of Ministries of Commerce, Al-Sunaidi noted that the GCC collectively ranked third globally in trade surplus, with a value of $110 billion, highlighting the region’s trade openness and the robustness of its economic structure.

He emphasized that intra-GCC trade is a key driver of economic diversification, competitiveness, and the expansion of investment and innovation opportunities. The volume of commodity trade between GCC countries is estimated at $146 billion in 2024, marking an annual growth rate of 9.8 percent compared to 2023, while non-oil goods recorded an average annual growth rate of 5.3 percent over the past decade.

Al-Sunaidi stressed that the future of GCC trade relies on deepening institutional and legislative integration through unified trade policies, modernized legal and regulatory frameworks, and streamlined movement of goods and services. He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation in the trade system, which aims to shift intra-GCC trade from a simple commodity exchange to a platform for productive and economic integration.

He explained that expanding intra-trade supports the utilization of comparative advantages and the creation of joint production and supply networks, consolidating Gulf economic integration as a key pathway to comprehensive and sustainable regional development. The General Secretariat also prioritizes negotiations for free trade agreements as strategic opportunities to enhance global market access, diversify trading partners, and attract high-quality investments, strengthening the GCC’s role as an active hub in international trade.

Al-Sunaidi expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for Kuwait’s continued support in advancing joint Gulf initiatives. The 61st preparatory meeting addressed topics of common interest, including updates on free trade agreement negotiations with countries and international blocs, developments in GCC commercial laws, review of the Investment Agents Committee’s work, and matters related to the General Secretariat’s Patent Office. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Commissioner General at 2025 Osaka Expo, Salem Al-Watyan, expressed pride on Wednesday in the Kuwait pavilion’s achievement of four international awards announced by Exhibitor, a leading US magazine specializing in global exhibitions and conferences, in recognition of the pavilion’s excellence in design, interaction, and technological innovation.

Al-Watyan told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the pavilion won first place for Best Storytelling Presentation, highlighting its creative narrative that presented Kuwait’s past, present, and future in an engaging and cohesive manner. It also received the honorary award for Best Interactive Activity, for the innovative experiences offered to visitors, the honorary award for Best Working Team, recognizing the Kuwaiti team’s outstanding communication and visitor engagement, and the honorary award for Best Use of Technology, for employing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in presenting the pavilion’s content.

“These awards represent international recognition of Kuwait’s creativity at this global event and reflect the country’s Vision 2035 in development, technology, and culture, made possible by the continuous support of the political leadership and the guidance of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi,” Al-Watyan said.

Kuwait Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025

Ambassador of Kuwait to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan

He noted that Exhibitor magazine, with over four decades of experience in evaluating exhibitions and conferences, is considered one of the most prestigious international references in the field, with its awards ranking second only to those of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). The awards are based on strict criteria including design, innovation, interactive experience, and technological advancement.

Al-Watyan praised all teams involved for their contributions, saying the achievement reflects the bright image of Kuwait in international forums and its leadership in delivering an integrated cultural, knowledge, and human experience at 2025 Osaka Expo. As 2025 Osaka Expo concludes, the Kuwait pavilion has emerged as one of the most talked-about national pavilions, leaving a lasting impression on millions of visitors since its opening on April 13, 2025. Located in the Empowering Lives district, the pavilion offered a dynamic and immersive experience showcasing Kuwait’s heritage, environment, people, and future aspirations.

Inspired by Kuwait’s sea and desert landscapes, the pavilion’s architectural design, crowned by a central dome, featured multi-sensory storytelling and digital exhibits, reflecting the nation’s evolving identity under Vision 2035. Interactive features ensured inclusivity for visitors of all ages, while the on-site restaurant gained acclaim for presenting traditional Kuwaiti cuisine, becoming one of the Expo’s most visited culinary destinations. Al-Watyan described the pavilion as “Kuwait’s message to the world,” emphasizing its role in sharing the nation’s values and ambitions and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “The connections established and exchanges made will remain among the most powerful outcomes of our participation,” he said.

Kuwait’s Ambassador to Japan, Sami Al-Zamanan, echoed the sentiment, noting that the pavilion consistently attracted long queues and received highly positive feedback. Presented under the theme “Beacon of the Future,” the pavilion highlighted Kuwait’s history, cultural heritage, trade legacy, and human achievements, linking the nation’s past and present to its future sustainability goals through interactive exhibits. 2025 Osaka Expo, held under the theme “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives,” ran from April 13 to October 13, with participation from 158 countries and regions. Kuwait’s pavilion distinguished itself as one of the most visited and admired, reinforcing the country’s cultural diplomacy and global presence. — Agencies

KUWAIT: Dr Mohammed Al-Suleimi, consultant bariatric surgeon at Al-Sabah Hospital, announced on Wednesday the successful treatment of a rare medical condition, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which affects only 0.1 percent of the global population. The operation was performed using a surgical endoscope and involved a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, a procedure that reroutes the third part of the duodenum.

Dr Al-Suleimi said the surgery was conducted on a 17-year-old patient who had been suffering from chronic regurgitation and an inability to eat or drink. The patient was previously misdiagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia at another hospital and underwent repair surgery, which failed to resolve his condition. The patient later presented to Al-Sabah Hospital with severe pain, vomiting, and significant underweight, with a body mass index of just 16. Examination revealed a compressed section of the duodenum trapped between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, caused by a narrow arterial angle of less than 12 degrees (normal range: 28–60 degrees).

Dr Al-Suleimi confirmed that the patient’s condition is now improving significantly, having gained 7 kilograms in a short period after resuming normal eating and drinking, reflecting the success of the procedure. Before the operation, the patient was unable to even consume liquids. He explained that while gastric bypass surgery is sometimes used in such cases, the optimal treatment is a bypass at the third part of the duodenum—a complex operation due to the duodenum’s deep location near the spine. The procedure required careful dissection to avoid complications.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome occurs when the artery compresses the duodenum, causing partial or complete obstruction that can lead to nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, and other symptoms. The condition is typically associated with very low body weight and is often linked to psychological factors. Dr Al-Suleimi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadi for providing hospitals with advanced medical equipment that enables physicians to deliver high-quality care to patients.